The Throggs Neck community had a merry time celebrating the holiday season with a Christmas tree lighting sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Benedetto on Sunday, December 4 at DeRosa and O’Boyle Triangle.
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus traveled all the way from the North Pole to meet local children and help distribute gifts supplied by the Throggs Neck Merchants Association.

North Pole natives Mrs. Claus and her husband, Santa, delivered holiday cheer to local children and their families.
Photo by Silvio Pacifico

Santa, Mrs. Claus and the St. Benedict Children’s Choir wished everyone the most happiest and healthiest of holidays this season.
Photo by Silvio Pacifico

Budding artist Melina Aponte received a new drawing board from jolly old St. Nick.
Photo by Silvio Pacifico

Laiba Mahmood helped Santa distribute presents to all of the good boys and girls.
Photo by Silvio Pacifico

(l-r) Santa’s helpers from Lehman High School: Miguel Martinez, Kalitri Grant, Ashley Resto, Carl Acevedo, Miguel Martinez and Jackie Han celebrated the Yuletide in style.
Photo by Silvio Pacifico

(back, l-r) John Cerini, TNMA treasurer; Stephen Kaufman, TNMA president; John Marano, Community Board 10 first vice chairman and Anne Myers, director of music and St. Benedict’s Church Youth Choir with Santa, Mrs. Claus and St. Benedict’s Children’s Choir members.
Photo by Silvio Pacifico

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj emceed this year’s Christmas tree lighting celebration.
Photo by Silvio Pacifico